Mentor Marsh Programs

The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center is open 11 am to 4 pm the first Sunday of the month November through March. From April through October, the Nature Center is open noon to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Free family nature hikes are offered from 2 to 3:30 pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open. Please meet at the Nature Center (5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, Ohio) unless otherwise indicated. Reservations are requested for all programs and can be made by calling the Nature Center at (440) 257-0777 or emailing Rebecca Donaldson at rdonalds@cmnh.org

WINTER TRACKING AND SIGNS

Sunday, March 1; 2 to 3:30 pm

Tracks in snow or mud let us discover what kinds of wildlife live in and around the Marsh and are active this time of year. We’ll look for other signs such as nests to find out what creatures use our preserve as a vital habitat.

STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY: RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Saturday, March 21; 10 to 11:30 am

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater that is otherwise lost to runoff or storm drains. Collected water can be used for plants, lawns and gardens, and to wash cars. We provide you with everything needed to build a hassle- and mosquito-free rain barrel ready to be hooked up to a downspout.

Reservations required. Space is limited. Workshop Fee: $59 per barrel

TRAIL WORK DAY

Sunday, March 22; 2 to 3:30 pm

Help us “spruce” up our two-mile section of the Buckeye Trail. Tools will be provided. Wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves. Co-sponsored by the Buckeye Trail Association.

Easter

Sunday, April 5; Closed

The Mentor Marsh Nature Center will be closed for Easter. Trails are open dawn to dusk.

SPRING AWAKENING

Sunday, April 12; 2 to 3:30 pm

Warmer temperatures and rain awaken frogs and salamanders. We will search for amphibian breeding activity in and around the Marsh.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Sunday, April 19; 2 to 3:30 pm

Help us make wildflower seed balls and take some home with you! We’ll take a walk to view our butterfly meadow and practice botany skills along the way, scouting for shrubs, trees and spring ephemeral wildflowers in bloom.

ARBOR DAY HIKE

Sunday, April 26; 2 to 3:30 pm

Trees are beneficial in so many ways. Hike and learn about the trees in the upland forest around Mentor Marsh. We’ll locate
notable species, share identification tips and learn the latest on why trees matter.

BALD EAGLE FEST AND SILENT AUCTION

Sunday, May 3; noon to 5 pm

Learn about eagles and other birds, help build a mock eagle nest, hold a replica skull, see live animal ambassadors and more! Join a guided hike to view our bald eagle nest at 12:30, 2:00, or 3:30 pm. The two-mile round-trip hike is on an unimproved and sometimes muddy trail, so be prepared for weather conditions.

Reservations are required for bald eagle nest hikes.

STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY: GARLIC MUSTARD PULL

Saturday, May 9; 9 am to noon

Help us continue restoration work at the Marsh. This “alien” species is spreading through our natural areas, competing for space and nutrients with native spring wildflowers. Grab your gloves and boots and join the volunteer effort to round up garlic mustard in our woodlands.

THE MAGIC OF MAY

Sunday, May 10; 2 to 3:30 pm

A great time to get out exploring, May is a month to witness nature in all its forms. Come along on a hike and see what we can discover during this beautiful time of year.

ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

Sunday, May 17; 2 to 3:30 pm

Learn how protecting rare plants and animals improves the biodiversity of our world. Hike around the Marsh and see what local rarities we can find.

PLANT DETECTIVES

Sunday, May 24; 2 to 3:30 pm

Collect important climate change data on the timing of leafing and flowering of trees and flowers through Project BudBurst. Learn with us, then take this project home to record seasonal progress of plants in your own backyard.

VERNAL POOLS AND WOODLAND JEWELS

Sunday, May 31; 2 to 3:30 pm

Let’s take a peek at our wooded wetlands at the Marsh in celebration of National Wetlands month. Learn about the importance of wetlands and what critters live there. Wear footwear and clothing that can get muddy at this hike along the water’s edge.